Hoi An captivates visitors with its ancient charm, relaxed pace of life, and tranquil beaches. But how many days in Hoi An is ideal to fully explore this beautiful destination? This article from Hoi An Royal Beachfront Villas will help you decide the perfect length of stay, featuring detailed itinerary suggestions from 1 to 4 days based on your available time and personal preferences.
How many days in Hoi An is best for travel?
Two to three days is considered the most suitable amount of time for a trip to Hoi An. With this duration, you can explore the ancient town, relax, enjoy the local cuisine, and visit entertainment spots without feeling rushed.
If you want to include Da Nang in your trip, you can still arrange to visit Ba Na Hills, swim at My Khe Beach, or explore the Helio night market. This way, the trip offers a variety of experiences while maintaining a relaxing pace.
Should you plan your time in Hoi An in detail?
Yes, it’s advisable to plan your itinerary carefully when visiting Hoi An. Though the town is small, it offers numerous fascinating experiences you won’t want to miss. A well-planned itinerary will help you:
- Avoid missing beautiful moments like sunsets by the Hoai River or the magical evenings in the ancient town
- Easily allocate time for sightseeing, relaxation, and culinary delights
- Optimize your budget for food, entrance fees, and accommodation
- Maximize your time, especially if your stay is limited
- Flexibly choose activities such as visiting the coconut forest, swimming, photography, or cooking classes.
Suggestions for itineraries based on length of stay in Hoi An
1-day itinerary
If you only have one day in Hoi An, here is a suggested itinerary to help you fully enjoy the most characteristic experiences of the ancient town:
| Time | Activity |
| 08:00 – 09:00 | Breakfast at Banh Mi Phuong or Mi Quang Ba Mua for an authentic local start |
| 09:00 – 11:30 | Explore the ancient town: Japanese Bridge, Tan Ky Old House, Fujian Assembly Hall |
| 12:00 – 13:30 | Lunch at a famous Cao Lau restaurant: Morning Glory or Miss Ly |
| 14:00 – 16:00 | Enjoy coffee and view the town from Faifo Café; shop for souvenirs |
| 16:30 – 18:00 | Take a boat to release lanterns and watch the sunset on the Hoai River |
| 18:30 – 20:00 | Stroll through the night market, have dinner, and end a short but memorable trip |
2-day 1-night itinerary
With 2 days and 1 night in Hoi An, you can explore the ancient town, enjoy local specialties, and experience signature moments like releasing lanterns or strolling the night market. This itinerary is suitable if you have limited time but still want to “taste” the beauty of Hoi An.
| Day | Time | Activity |
| 1 | 08:00 – 09:00 | Banh Mi Phuong – a light start |
| 09:30 – 12:00 | Explore the ancient town, visit assembly halls, take photos at a rooftop café | |
| 12:00 – 14:00 | Enjoy Cao Lau and Banh Dap at Hoi An Xua restaurant | |
| 15:00 – 17:30 | Check in at hotel; visit Kim Bong woodcraft village or pottery making | |
| 18:00 – 21:00 | Dinner + stroll the night market, watch water puppetry or folk performances | |
| 2 | 07:00 – 09:00 | Bike ride to Tra Que vegetable village – experience farming |
| 09:30 – 11:00 | An Bang beach – relax on a bean bag, sunbathe | |
| 11:30 – 13:00 | Lunch at Soul Kitchen or a seaside restaurant | |
| 13:30 – 14:30 | Rest and check out |
3-day 2-night itinerary
A 3-day, 2-night itinerary offers a well-rounded experience — from exploring the ancient town and traditional craft villages to relaxing at charming riverside cafés. It’s the perfect amount of time to soak in the slow pace of life and enjoy the best things to do in Hoi An without feeling rushed.
| Day | Time | Activity |
| 1 | 08:00 – 09:00 | Breakfast at Cocobox – healthy and visually appealing |
| 09:30 – 12:00 | Stroll around the ancient town, visit museums, old houses | |
| 13:00 – 14:30 | Lunch at Mango Mango | |
| 15:00 – 17:30 | Join a cooking class + visit local market + boat ride back to the restaurant | |
| 18:30 – 20:30 | Dinner featuring the dishes you cooked | |
| 2 | 05:30 – 10:00 | Visit My Son Sanctuary (half-day tour with shuttle) |
| 11:30 – 13:00 | Lunch at Khong Gian Xua restaurant | |
| 14:00 – 16:00 | Pottery making at Thanh Ha village or experience Cam Thanh coconut forest | |
| 17:00 – 18:30 | Rest at the hotel | |
| 19:00 – 21:00 | Stroll the night market, enjoy street snacks, take a second lantern boat ride | |
| 3 | 07:00 – 10:00 | Swim at An Bang beach, enjoy coffee by the seaside |
| 11:00 – 13:00 | Light lunch, buy souvenirs | |
| 13:30 – 15:00 | Relaxing spa and check out |
4-day 3-night itinerary
If you are wondering how many days for Hoi An is enough to fully explore the beauty of this land, a 4-day 3-night trip is the perfect choice. With this amount of time, you will have the opportunity to experience a full range of activities and explore both Hoi An ancient town and the surrounding attractions.
Below is a detailed plan for your journey:
| Day | Time | Activity |
| 1 | 14:00 – 15:30 | Check in at hotel/resort, rest |
| 16:00 – 18:00 | Coffee while watching the sunset at The Deck House or The Shore Club | |
| 18:30 – 20:30 | Dinner at a riverside restaurant – Hoi An style | |
| 2 | 08:00 – 11:30 | Cam Thanh coconut forest tour + net fishing |
| 12:00 – 14:00 | Lunch at a riverside restaurant | |
| 15:00 – 17:30 | Lantern making class or traditional craft art tour | |
| 18:00 – 21:00 | Stroll around the ancient town – check in and enjoy street food | |
| 3 | 06:00 – 10:30 | My Son Sanctuary tour or join a Cu Lao Cham island tour |
| 11:00 – 13:00 | Lunch at the resort | |
| 14:00 – 16:00 | Relaxing spa and private pool at the resort | |
| 17:00 – 20:00 | BBQ at the resort | |
| 4 | 07:00 – 09:00 | Swim at the beach, morning coffee, watch the sunrise |
| 09:30 – 11:00 | Shop for specialties: lanterns, green bean cakes, Ly Son garlic | |
| 11:30 – 12:30 | Check out, end of a relaxed journey |
Where to stay when visiting Hoi An?
After a day wandering the ancient town, soaking in the slow pace of life and the nostalgic beauty of Hoi An, what could be better than returning to a quiet, private, and luxurious space to recharge?
Hoi An Royal Beachfront Villas is a favorite choice for many travelers. The resort offers:
- 497 sea-view rooms and 69 villas with private pools
- Lush green spaces and cozy lounges
- Large outdoor swimming pool and infinity pool with ocean views; a private clean beach right on the premises
- Diverse cuisine at Royal Cafe & Restaurant and The Royal Shore Restaurant with a Mediterranean flair.
- Professional spa services, experience classes such as cooking, coffee making, and tai chi
- Indoor and outdoor play areas for children, modern gym, kids’ club
- Outdoor cinema, live music band, 3 bars: Chill Sky Bar and 2 Pool Bars (Beach Pool Bar, Ruou Poolside Bar)
- The largest conference center in Hoi An with capacity up to 400 guests
- Daily shuttle service to the ancient town, airport transfer services, and free bicycle use within the resort.
- Garden view
- 1 Twin Bedroom
- 50m2
Set amidst lush gardens with a private pool view, the One-Bedroom Garden View Villa is a spacious 55m² sanctuary designed for ultimate relaxation. Experience the charm of a villa VIP garden and pool Hoi An, where you can unwind in the elegant marble bathroom, complete with a deep soaking tub and refreshing rain shower. Plush twin beds invite restful slumber, while the tranquil setting sets the stage for a rejuvenating escape. Wake up refreshed, embrace the serenity, and make every moment of your stay truly unforgettable.
All combine to create a comprehensive experience: relaxation – convenience – luxury.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I stay in Da Nang or Hoi An?
It depends on your travel preferences and interests.
- If you love tranquility, ancient charm, and traditional culture, Hoi An is the ideal choice.
- If you prefer modernity, My Khe Beach, entertainment, and convenient transport, choose Da Nang.
- If time allows, combining both lets you fully enjoy the beauty of Central Vietnam.
If I want to have clothes tailored, how many days should I spend in Hoi An?
At least 3 days:
- Day 1: choose the shop, fabric, and get measured
- Day 2: try on and adjust
- Day 3: final fitting and pick up
Suggested tailors: Yaly, A Dong Silk, Bebe Tailor.
Tip: Bring samples or photos. Avoid major holidays as shops often get busy.
For families or large groups, how many days Hoi An is reasonable?
For families or large groups, 3-4 nights is ideal to fully enjoy Hoi An. The slower pace allows everyone to be comfortable, especially elders or children.
What time should I visit the ancient town to avoid crowds?
The best time to avoid crowds in Hoi An ancient town is early morning from 6:00 to 9:00. At this time, the town is peaceful with gentle sunlight, perfect for photos and sightseeing.
The period from 11:30 to 14:00 is also quiet since visitors avoid the strong sun. It’s an ideal time to visit heritage sites without queues.
Avoid: 16:00 to 20:00 is the busiest, especially around the Japanese Bridge and Bach Dang street.
Weekdays: Tuesday to Thursday are usually less crowded than weekends.
Pro tip: To enjoy the ancient town at night while avoiding crowds, visit after 21:00 when most tours have left.
Which festivals in Hoi An should visitors know to plan their trip accordingly?
- Lantern Festival (14th day of each lunar month): the ancient town glows with lanterns and floating flower lanterns on the Hoai River.
- Lunar New Year (January–February): vibrant decorations, lion dances, and cultural activities.
- Hoi An Ancient Town Night (every Saturday evening): a smaller event worth attending, featuring cultural activities like singing, traditional musical performances, and interaction with locals.
Whether wandering the ancient town for a few hours or relaxing for several days by the beach, Hoi An always makes people want to return. So, let Hoi An Royal Beachfront Villas know — for you, how many days in Hoi An are just right to make unforgettable memories, fall in love, and keep you coming back for more?
